Denzel Washington, the renowned 69-year-old movie star, recently received his minister's license, marking a significant shift in his life. The ceremony took place at the Kelly Temple in New York City, where Washington was baptized by Archbishop Christopher Bryant. Reflecting on this momentous occasion, Washington expressed gratitude, stating, 'It took a while, but I'm finally here...If [God] can do this for me, there's nothing He can't do for you.' This event was captured in photos shared by Bryant on Facebook, celebrating Washington's commitment to faith.
Washington's journey towards becoming a minister has deep roots, as he attended the Kelly Temple as a child and later experienced a spiritual awakening in the 80s. His recent baptism and licensing to preach in the Church of God in Christ symbolize the culmination of a life dedicated to faith and service.
In a candid interview, Washington acknowledged the challenges of discussing religion in the entertainment industry, emphasizing his unwavering faith and fearlessness in expressing his beliefs. Despite the industry norms, Washington remains resolute in his convictions, stating, 'When you see me, you see the best I could do with what I’ve been given by my lord and savior. I’m unafraid.'
While Washington's faith journey has been personal and profound, he also reflected on the broader landscape of faith in Hollywood. He noted the lack of open discussions on religious beliefs among actors and highlighted the absence of formal gatherings to explore this aspect of their lives.
Washington's illustrious career spans decades, with notable performances in films such as 'Fences,' 'Training Day,' 'The Book of Eli,' 'Cry Freedom,' and 'Malcolm X.' His breakthrough role in the acclaimed medical drama 'St. Elsewhere' in 1982 paved the way for his success in both television and film.
